Contact: Kristine Lewis 202-624-7710; klewis@ncsha.org

FOR RELEASE MAY 15 , 2013

FORMER HUD SECRETARY HENRY CISNEROS TO ADDRESS HOUSING CREDIT INDUSTRY’S PREMIER CONFERENCE

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) is pleased to announce that Henry Cisneros, former Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Co-Chair, Bipartisan Policy Center’s (BPC) Housing Commission will deliver the keynote address at Housing Credit Connect in San Francisco on June 25, 2013. This annual event, presented by NCSHA, convenes decision makers from the nation’s Housing Credit allocating agencies with leading program experts to discuss the top issues facing this vital housing resource.

As HUD Secretary, Cisneros championed fair housing policies and unveiled a plan for HUD to provide $70 million in housing vouchers enabling low-income Americans to rent living space in the communities of their choice. He also was credited with initiating the revitalization of many of the nation’s public housing developments. He currently serves as Executive Director of CityView, which works with urban builders to create homes priced within the range of average families. Cisneros will discuss his overall views on the BPC’s recommendations to elevate housing to the top of the national policy agenda.

“We are honored that Secretary Cisneros will give the keynote address at Housing Credit Connect’s Opening Plenary session,” said Barbara Thompson, executive director of NCSHA. “The former Secretary has been a long-standing supporter of the affordable housing industry and a good friend of the HFA community. We look forward to his insights as we work to preserve and expand the Housing Credit program to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for those in need.”

NCSHA has sponsored this popular meeting since 1992. Formerly known as NCSHA’s Housing Credit Conference & Marketplace, the conference was rebranded this year to reflect its prominence as the industry’s premier Housing Credit event, along with all of the great opportunities provided to attendees through insightful educational sessions, an expansive marketplace with exhibits of the latest products and services, and multiple networking events.

This year’s conference will explore the latest innovations in Housing Credit development, finance, compliance and management, including emerging trends from the equity and bond markets, strategies for cost-effective development, new multifamily financing opportunities, deal structuring and underwriting tactics, Year 15 preservation and disposition strategies, best practices in asset management, and proactive approaches to program compliance. The conference will also provide breaking news on legislative and regulatory program developments, plus forecasts of new issues facing the industry in the year ahead.

Housing Credit Connect is attended by executive directors and senior staff from the nation’s Housing Credit allocating agencies, plus federal program regulators, affordable housing developers, lenders, syndicators, investors, tax advisors, asset managers, nonprofits, compliance experts, property managers, service providers, and other industry leaders.

This year’s Housing Credit Connect will be held at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis (780 Mission Street, San Francisco). Top sponsors include: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Enterprise, Gill Group, Inc., KeyBank Community Development Lending, PNC Real Estate, Red Stone Equity Partners, U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation, WNC, Community Development Trust, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, RBC Capital Markets, and Tax Credit Group of Marcus & Millichap.

Early registration discounts are available through May 24. For more information about the Housing Credit Connect program agenda, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website at www.ncsha.org/housingcreditconnect.
 

State Housing Finance Agencies, known as HFAs, share a public purpose mission to provide affordable housing help to the people of their jurisdictions who need it.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies – known as NCSHA – is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. It represents the HFAs of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners.

Twenty-two (22) state Housing Finance Agency (HFA) programs received Annual Awards for Program Excellence during the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) 2013 Annual Conference & Showplace in New Orleans, LA. This year’s conference was attended by more than 900 affordable housing industry professionals.

Now in its 29th year, the NCSHA Annual Awards for Program Excellence was created to identify and elevate industry best practices as well as encourage continued HFA innovation. There are seven categories for consideration:
 

• Communications
• Homeownership
• Legislative Advocacy
• Management Innovation
• Rental Housing
• Special Needs Housing
• Special Achievement

 
The 147 entries from across the country were judged on originality, innovation, a proven track record in the marketplace, cost/benefit ratio, and measurable benefits provided to targeted customers.

"These awards are presented annually to honor the best work of HFAs nationwide,” said Brian A. Hudson, NCSHA president and executive director of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

“The NCSHA Annual Conference provides an outstanding platform to showcase award winners and entries in order to exchange best practices within the HFA community,” Hudson continued. “The ongoing ability to share information with each other enables all HFAs to be even more successful in achieving our common mission of providing affordable housing for those who need it."

Communications: Annual Report
Rhode Island Housing: Working Together to Bring Rhode Island ‘Home’ Annual Report

Communications: Creative Media
Michigan State Housing Development Authority: Down Payment Fairy Campaign

Communications: Promotional Materials & Newsletters
Illinois Housing Development Authority: 2013 IHDA Integrated Marketing Materials

Homeownership: Empowering New Buyers
MassHousing: Increasing Homeownership Through Partnerships and Programs

Homeownership: Encouraging New Production
Virginia Housing Development Authority: Partnership for Habitat Housing

Homeownership: Home Improvement & Rehabilitation
Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Communities For A Lifetime

Legislative Advocacy: Federal
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority: 2013 Connecticut Congressional Communications-
Efficient Face Time

Legislative Advocacy: State
Rhode Island Housing: Vote Yes on 7: For Homes, For Jobs, For Rhode Island

Management Innovation: Financial (two winners)
Idaho Housing and Finance Association: Buying Time – An REO Capital Preservation Strategy

Management Innovation: Financial (two winners)
MassHousing: Multifamily Portfolio Preservation and Pass-Through Structure

Management Innovation: Human Resources
Rhode Island Housing: RESPECT

Management Innovation: Operations
Virginia Housing Development Authority: Internal Communications Strategy

Management Innovation: Technology(two winners)
Minnesota Housing: Community Profiles: Using Technology to Make Demographic Data Accessible for Strategic Investing

Management Innovation: Technology(two winners)
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: Multifamily Mapping Application

Rental Housing: Encouraging New Production
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency: North Dakota Housing Incentive Fund

Rental Housing: Multifamily Management
Michigan State Housing Development Authority: Automated Audit Process

Rental Housing: Preservation & Rehabilitation
Virginia Housing Development Authority: Maximizing Rural Housing Resources in Virginia

Special Achievement (two winners)
Kentucky Housing Corporation: KY Home Performance

Special Achievement (two winners)
MassHousing: Hoarding Initiatives Task Force

Special Needs Housing: Combating Homelessness
Virginia Housing Development Authority: South Hampton Roads Regional Supportive Studio
Apartment (SSA) Partnership

Special Needs Housing: Housing for Persons with Special Needs(two winners)
Delaware State Housing Authority: State Rental Assistance Program

Special Needs Housing: Housing for Persons with Special Needs(two winners)
Illinois Housing Development Authority: Home First Illinois

State Housing Finance Agencies – known as HFAs – share a public purpose mission to provide affordable housing help to the people of their jurisdictions who need it.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies – known as NCSHA – is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. It represents the HFAs of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners.
 

WASHINGTON, DC – Seventeen (17) state Housing Finance Agency (HFA) programs received Annual Awards for Program Excellence during the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) recent Annual Conference & Showplace in Boston. This year’s conference was attended by more than 900 affordable housing industry professionals.

Now in its 30th year, the NCSHA Annual Awards for Program Excellence were created to identify and elevate industry best practices as well as encourage continued HFA innovation. There are seven award categories:

• Communications
• Homeownership
• Legislative Advocacy
• Management Innovation
• Rental Housing
• Special Achievement
• Special Needs Housing
  
   

NCSHA received 145 entries from across the country which were judged on originality, innovation, a proven track record in the marketplace, cost/benefit ratio, and measurable benefits provided to targeted customers.

“The creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of housing finance agencies are on full display with the winners of this year’s competition,” said NCSHA President Thomas R. Gleason, Executive Director of MassHousing. “From cost-effective loan programs and creative financing to homelessness prevention and advocacy programs, the winners – and all the entrants – have put forth effective ideas with proven results.”

2014 NCSHA Annual Awards for Program Excellence Winners

To view award nominations, visit ncsha.org/awards.

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State Housing Finance Agencies – known as HFAs – share a public purpose mission to provide affordable housing help to the people of their jurisdictions who need it.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies – known as NCSHA – is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. It represents the HFAs of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners.

Contact:
Sarah M. Lawler, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7710
slawler@ncsha.org

DATE: NOVEMBER 19, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCSHA ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) announced its new Board of Directors, elected by its state HFA members. The election was held during NCSHA’s 44th Annual Conference, October 18-21, in Boston.

“NCSHA plays a vital role by providing national leadership on pressing issues impacting affordable housing around the country,” said Tom Gleason, executive director, MassHousing and newly elected president, NCSHA.

"Housing is such a key component that provides stability for families, as well as stimulating cohesiveness and economic vitality for communities,” Gleason continued. “I am honored to help lead NCSHA at a time when affordable housing has the potential to do so much good to enhance people’s lives and help drive our national economic recovery.”

NCSHA’s newly elected Board officers and At-Large Executive Committee member include:
• President Tom Gleason, MassHousing
• Vice President Grant Whitaker, Utah Housing Corporation
• Secretary/Treasurer Ralph Perrey, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
• At-Large Executive Committee Member Mary Tingerthal, Minnesota Housing

Newly elected Board directors include:
• Steve Auger, Florida Housing Finance Corporation
• Anas Ben Addi, Delaware State Housing Authority
• Eric Chatman, Connecticut Housing Finance Agency
• Dean Christon, New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority
• Doug Garver, Ohio Housing Finance Agency
• Kim Herman, Washington State Housing Finance Commission
• Gerald Hunter, Idaho Housing and Finance Association
• Fred Tombar, Louisiana Housing Corporation
• Cris White, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

Incumbent Board directors include:
• Brian Hudson, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
• Dave Jamison, Iowa Finance Authority
• Mary Kenney, Illinois Housing Development Authority
• Dennis Shockley, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency

“I look forward to working with our newly elected Board officers and directors as we continue our efforts on behalf of all of our members to protect and strengthen federal housing programs in response to the wide range of housing needs HFAs serve,” said Barbara Thompson, executive director of NCSHA.

# # #

State Housing Finance Agencies – known as HFAs – share a public purpose mission to provide affordable housing help to the people of their jurisdictions who need it.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies – known as NCSHA – is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. It represents the HFAs of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners.

Contact:
Garth Rieman, Director of Housing
Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives
202-624-7710
grieman@ncsha.org
 

DATE: May 19, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

The National Council of State Housing Agencies Commends
Senators Cantwell and Hatch for Introducing
The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA), on behalf of its state Housing Finance Agency (HFA) members, commends Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) for introducing today the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2016 to expand and strengthen the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit). We also applaud Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) for joining Cantwell and Hatch as original cosponsors. The legislation increases Housing Credit authority by 50 percent over five years beginning in 2017 and provides states additional flexibility in their program administration.

“This legislation will greatly extend the reach of this enormously successful program, helping states and our partners to make much more headway in our efforts to provide affordable rental housing to those who so urgently need it all across the country,” said Thomas Gleason, executive director of MassHousing and president of NCSHA. “We are deeply grateful to Senators Cantwell and Hatch for their leadership and to their fellow Finance Committee members for their support,” added Gleason.

In addition to the cap increase, the legislation includes several other NCSHA legislative priorities. Specifically, it sets a minimum 4 percent Housing Credit rate for both acquisition Credits and for Housing Bond-financed Credit properties, allowing states to provide more Credit equity to these developments if necessary to achieve their financial feasibility. It also provides an income-averaging option under which the Housing Credit could finance units for households earning up to 80 percent of area median income (AMI), so long as the average income limit within the property is 60 percent of AMI or less. This would expand the market for Housing Credit units and enable the Housing Credit to reach even lower income families by allowing developers to offset lower rents paid by very low- and extremely low-income households with higher rents paid by eligible households earning more.

"The Housing Credit is the most important and effective rental housing production tool states have, but the authority available to it is not nearly enough to respond to rapidly escalating affordable rental housing need and increasing demands on the program," said Barbara Thompson, executive director of NCSHA.

The Housing Credit is essential to addressing our nation’s housing affordability crisis. It is the principal source of financing for the development and preservation of rental housing affordable to low-income people, creating opportunities for families and individuals who otherwise pay an excessive portion of their income for housing, live in substandard and overcrowded conditions, or face homelessness. By providing an incentive for private sector investment, the Housing Credit has financed nearly 3 million apartments since Congress created it 30 years ago.

For more information about NCSHA and our legislative priorities visit www.ncsha.org.

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State Housing Finance Agencies—known as HFAs—share a public purpose mission to provide affordable housing help to the people of their jurisdictions who need it. HFAs administer the Housing Credit in nearly every state.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies—known as NCSHA—is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. It represents the HFAs of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
 

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 5, 2016

CONTACT:
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org

NCSHA CONGRATULATES DR. BEN CARSON ON HUD SECRETARY NOMINATION

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) congratulates Dr. Ben Carson on his nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as its next Secretary. NCSHA looks forward to working with President-Elect Donald Trump and Dr. Carson to better the lives of America’s working families, create jobs, and rebuild our country’s infrastructure through affordable housing development.

“State Housing Finance Agencies are eager to work with Dr. Carson to provide affordable housing help to families of modest means, seniors, persons with disabilities, and others who need it,” said Grant S. Whitaker, president and chief executive officer of Utah Housing Corporation and NCSHA president. “We wish Dr. Carson every success as he takes charge of such an important federal department.”

NCSHA Executive Director Barbara Thompson said, “NCSHA is delighted to welcome Dr. Carson to Washington. We look forward to a strong and productive relationship with HUD under his leadership.”

Executive directors representing the state Housing Finances Agencies (HFAs) are meeting in Washington, DC, December 5 and 6, to talk about how state HFAs can most effectively work with the new Administration and Congress to expand the use of the proven state HFA delivery system in creating affordable housing opportunity nationwide. State HFAs have a long and successful track record in providing affordable housing help to the people of their jurisdictions. They administer many of the country’s most important and effective federal affordable housing programs, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, tax-exempt private activity Housing Bonds, the HOME Investment Partnerships program, Section 8 rental assistance, and FHA single-family and multifamily insurance programs.

NCSHA is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents the state HFAs and the HFAs of the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCSHA’s membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 2, 2017

CONTACT:
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org

NCSHA Welcomes Dr. Ben Carson as HUD Secretary

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) congratulates Dr. Ben Carson on his confirmation as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). NCSHA and its member state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) look forward to continuing a longstanding, strong, and productive partnership on affordable housing with HUD under Carson’s leadership.

Executive Director Barbara Thompson said, “NCSHA is eager to work with President Trump and Secretary Carson to better the lives of America’s families, create jobs, and rebuild our country’s infrastructure through affordable housing development.”

HFAs are the federal government’s partners in the administration of many of the country’s most important and effective federal affordable housing programs, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, tax-exempt private activity Housing Bonds, the HOME Investment Partnerships program, Section 8 rental assistance, and FHA single-family and multifamily insurance programs. HFAs serve the full spectrum of housing need, from homelessness to homeownership.

During his nomination hearing, Carson struck several themes that align with the HFAs’ mission and activities, including the value and importance of the Housing Credit program; linkages between housing and other desirable life outcomes, including good health and education; and the importance of seeking new and better ways to address affordable housing needs.

NCSHA is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents the state HFAs and the HFAs of the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCSHA’s membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 8, 2017

CONTACT:
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org

NCSHA Applauds Senators Cantwell and Hatch on Release of Housing Credit Expansion Legislation

The National Council of State Housing Agencies congratulates Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) on the introduction of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017, S. 548, which would expand and further strengthen the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) program. NCSHA and its member state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs), the vast majority of which allocate the Housing Credit in their states, strongly support this critical legislation.

Executive Director Barbara Thompson said, “Senator Cantwell and Senator Hatch are both outstanding leaders for the affordable housing community. The enactment of this legislation is one of NCSHA’s top priorities. It will allow states to finance hundreds of thousands more affordable rental homes for those in need. The Housing Credit is already our nation’s most successful program for affordable rental housing production. This legislation will make it even more effective.”

The legislation would increase Housing Credit authority by 50 percent over a five-year period, and enact approximately 20 modifications to the program that would strengthen it by providing states new flexibility, simplifying program requirements, supporting the preservation of existing affordable housing, and facilitating Housing Credit development in challenging markets and for hard-to-reach populations.

Senator Cantwell and Senator Hatch are joined in introducing the bill by 11 other senators: Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dean Heller (R-NV), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Todd Young (R-IN). Representative Pat Tiberi
(R-OH) and House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) soon will be introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

NCSHA is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents the state HFAs and the HFAs of the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCSHA’s membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org

Statement from NCSHA Executive Director Barbara Thompson: Frontline and NPR Missed the True Story of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) commends the Public Broadcasting Service’s (PBS) Frontline for attempting in its May 9 broadcast to shine light on the affordable rental housing crisis and our country’s response. Sadly, Frontline missed this rare opportunity to tell a broad national audience the true story of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) and the important efforts underway in Congress to strengthen and expand this vital program.

Produced jointly with National Public Radio (NPR), the Frontline piece, “Poverty, Politics, and Profit,” and related NPR coverage instead presented an unfair and misleading picture of the Housing Credit by wrongly suggesting that the program is plagued by shrinking production, inadequate oversight, widespread fraud, and excessive profiteering, while completely overlooking its great strengths and achievements. NCSHA, which represents the state housing agencies that administer the Housing Credit program, wishes to set the record straight.

The Housing Credit is the nation’s most successful housing program ever, accounting for virtually all affordable rental homes produced today. This unprecedented public-private partnership is responsible for the financing of more than 3 million quality apartments that have provided affordable homes to more than 6.7 million households over the program’s 30-year life. The program adds close to 100,000 homes to the affordable rental housing inventory each year.

The Housing Credit responds to the full spectrum of housing need, bringing affordable housing to urban, rural, and suburban areas and providing homes to families with children, veterans, seniors, members of Native American tribes, people with disabilities, and those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It creates housing opportunity for some of our lowest income, most vulnerable people, with nearly half of Housing Credit-financed homes today renting to those with extremely low incomes, some of whom are also assisted with vouchers, which Housing Credit law helpfully requires property owners to accept.

The problem is we simply cannot produce enough housing with current Credit authority to make headway against the enormous need. In fact, the reality is Housing Credit resources have never been even close to sufficient to meet the ever-growing need for affordable rental housing in this country.

It is true that in recent years, the Housing Credit’s annual production has trended downward. But, this is not because program participants are profiting unreasonably or fraudulently, as Frontline erroneously asserted. A number of factors have contributed to this decline, including reductions in other federal housing resources, like HOME Investment Partnerships program funding, which have helped expand Credit production when used in combination with it; rising construction costs; and state imperatives to serve even lower income households and respond to other urgent priorities, such as revitalizing public housing and locating properties in higher opportunity, but often more expensive, communities.

This is why it is so important for Congress to enact the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017, legislation which has been introduced in both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support by senior tax committee members, to strengthen and, in the case of the Senate bill, expand the Housing Credit program. Congress has not increased Housing Credit authority since 2000 and that increase, as significant as it was, was not even enough to restore the purchasing power the program had lost since it was enacted in 1986.

This critical legislation would also help overcome one of the most serious impediments to affordable housing development, on which the Frontline piece rightfully focused, local opposition, commonly known as NIMBYism. It also would make several other important changes to extend the reach of the program. Over two thousand national, state, and local housing stakeholder organizations across the country have already endorsed this legislation, which was just introduced in March of this year.

NCSHA’s state housing agency members are proud, not only of the high quality, sustainable housing they help produce with the Housing Credit, but also of their strong program administration. These agencies take very seriously their responsibility for program operation and oversight, as entrusted to them by Congress. They steadfastly enforce federal program rules, developing statewide allocation plans with extensive public input; allocating to developments only the amount of Credit necessary to ensure their feasibility and long-term viability; serving only income-qualified people and the lowest income people they can possibly reach; ensuring the financial and physical health of the properties for the duration of their affordability periods through regular and thorough inspections; and reporting noncompliance to the IRS.

States often exceed federal requirements, collaborating on the development through NCSHA of national recommended practices in Housing Credit administration that set very high standards, while preserving the genius of the program’s devolved design that allows states to determine their highest and best use of Credit authority within broad and appropriate federal mandates. Strong state administration has been cited by the U.S. Government Accountability Office in the past and in its most recent Housing Credit study on state administration released in 2016.

We believe strong state administration helps explain why so few cases of fraud have emerged over the program’s long life. The few fraud cases Frontline featured represent virtually all of the cases of which we are aware. When states have discovered fraud they have moved swiftly and aggressively in response, cooperating fully in its investigation and prosecution.

The Housing Credit is widely supported, not because it is all we have, as Frontline contended, but because it is truly the very best we have ever had.

About the National Council of State Housing Agencies
NCSHA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents state HFAs and the HFAs of the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCSHA’s membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.
 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 1, 2017

CONTACT:
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org

WASHINGTON, DC — National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) President Grant S. Whitaker testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance during an August 1 hearing on “America’s Affordable Housing Crisis: Challenges and Solutions.” Whitaker addressed the nation’s critical need for affordable housing and the roles the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) and tax-exempt private activity Housing Bonds (Housing Bonds) play in responding to that need.

During his testimony, Whitaker, who is president and chief executive officer of the Utah Housing Corporation, urged the Committee to seize the opportunity of tax reform to strengthen the Housing Credit and Bonds, extend their reach to hard-to-serve populations and places, and streamline and modernize their program rules.

To achieve this, Whitaker urged the Committee to pass legislation introduced earlier this year by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT), saying, “Senator Cantwell and Chairman Hatch’s Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, S. 548, is essential to addressing the crisis. The lynchpin provision of this legislation would expand the Housing Credit authority each state receives by 50 percent over five years. This cap increase would allow states to make meaningful progress towards meeting the housing needs of their low-income residents.”

Whitaker cautioned the Committee to consider the potential impact of tax code changes on the Housing Credit and Housing Bonds to prevent any unintended negative effects.

A transcript of Whitaker’s testimony and the video of the hearing can be accessed at www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/americas-affordable-housing-crisis-challenges-and-solutions.

About the National Council of State Housing Agencies
NCSHA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents state HFAs and the HFAs of the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCSHA’s membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

NCSHA Applauds Preservation of Housing Credit in Unified Tax Reform Framework

WASHINGTON, DC — Responding to the “Unified Framework for Fixing Our Broken Tax Code” released today, the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) commends the Trump Administration and Republican congressional leaders for retaining the Low Income Housing Tax Credit.

While the Framework does not speak to municipal bonds, NCSHA understands from both congressional and industry sources that they would also be preserved. Tax-exempt private activity Housing Bonds—both multifamily and single-family bonds—are a type of municipal bond.

“NCSHA is pleased that the Administration and Republican congressional leaders recognize the critical importance of the Housing Credit and Bonds. We look forward to continuing to work with them and others in Congress to strengthen these proven programs so we can provide more affordable housing to people who need it,” said NCSHA President Grant S. Whitaker, president and CEO of the Utah Housing Corporation.

NCSHA is urging the Administration and Congress to enact as part of tax reform the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017, S. 548 and H.R. 1661. This legislation, which has been introduced in both the House and Senate by senior tax committee members, would strengthen and, in the case of the Senate bill, expand the Housing Credit program. NCSHA Executive Director Barbara J. Thompson said, ”The enactment of this bipartisan legislation will allow states to finance hundreds of thousands more affordable rental homes for those in need. The Housing Credit is already our nation’s most successful program for affordable rental housing production. This legislation will make it even more effective.”

About the National Council of State Housing Agencies
NCSHA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents state HFAs and the HFAs of the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCSHA’s membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.

CONTACT:
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2017

National Awards Recognize Outstanding State Housing Finance Agency Programs

WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) recognized 18 state Housing Finance Agency (HFA) programs for innovation and excellence on October 16 during the association's Annual Conference and Showplace in Denver, attended by 1,000 member affordable housing leaders and professionals.

The NCSHA Annual Awards for Program Excellence were established in 1984 to identify and elevate industry best practices, as well as encourage continued HFA innovation. Member HFAs are eligible to submit their programs, projects, and practices for consideration in seven categories: Communications, Homeownership, Legislative Advocacy, Management Innovation, Rental Housing, Special Achievement, and Special Needs Housing.

Thirty-nine HFAs submitted 118 entries in this year's awards program. The judges evaluate each entry for its level of innovation, replicability, measurable benefit to HFA customers, effective use of resources, and achievement of strategic objectives, among other criteria. The judges are affordable housing industry leaders and subject matter experts selected for their relevant expertise, experience, and impartiality.

''For more than 30 years, NCSHA has honored the work of its member HFAs with the Annual Awards for Program Excellence. This process of encouraging and sharing innovation among HFAs has a multiplier effect on our individual state efforts and advances our collective vision of an affordably housed nation,'' said NCSHA Executive Director Barbara J. Thompson. ''I congratulate all HFAs on the innovation and resourcefulness they've demonstrated in serving their communities this year.''

This year's nominated programs can be found at ncsha.org/awards.

2017 Recipients of the NCSHA Annual Awards for Program Excellence

Communications

• Annual Reports: Washington State Housing Finance Commission
• Creative Media: Illinois Housing Development Authority
• Promotional Materials and Newsletters: California Housing Finance Agency and Rhode Island Housing

Homeownership

• Empowering New Buyers: Wyoming Community Development Authority
• Encouraging New Production: MassHousing
• Home Improvement and Rehabilitation: Delaware State Housing Authority 

Legislative Advocacy

• Federal Advocacy: Illinois Housing Development Authority
• State Advocacy: Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

Management Innovation

• Financial: MassHousing and New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority
• Human Resources: California Housing Finance Agency
• Operations: Minnesota Housing
• Technology: Minnesota Housing

Rental Housing

• Encouraging New Production: Ohio Housing Finance Agency
• Multifamily Management: New York City Housing Development Corporation
• Preservation and Rehabilitation: Colorado Housing and Finance Authority 

Special Achievement: Washington State Housing Finance Commission 

Special Needs Housing

• Combating Homelessness: Minnesota Housing
• Housing for Persons with Special Needs: Washington State Housing Finance Commission

State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) share a public purpose mission to provide affordable housing help to the people of their jurisdictions who need it.

The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents the HFAs of virtually every state, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 1, 2017

NCSHA Announces New Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) held its 2017 Board election on October 15 in Denver during the association's 47th Annual Conference and Showplace. Voted on by the member state housing finance agencies, NCSHA's newly elected Board officers are:

• President Grant S. Whitaker | Utah Housing Corporation
• Vice President Kim Herman | Washington State Housing Finance Commission
• Secretary/Treasurer David D. Jamison | Iowa Finance Authority
• At-Large Executive Committee Member Tia Boatman Patterson | California Housing Finance Agency

Newly elected Board directors are:

• Barbara Fields | Rhode Island Housing
• Audra Hamernik | Illinois Housing Development Authority
• Edwin King | Kentucky Housing Corporation
• Mark Lauseng | South Dakota Housing Development Authority
• Margaret Salazar | Oregon Housing and Community Services
• Jacob Sipe | Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
• Cris White | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

Incumbent Board Directors are:

• Immediate Past President Brian A. Hudson | Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
• Anas Ben Addi | Delaware State Housing Authority
• Dean J. Christon | New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority
• Gerald M. Hunter | Idaho Housing and Finance Association
• Scott Spivey | Mississippi Home Corporation
• Mary Tingerthal | Minnesota Housing

State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) share a public purpose mission to provide affordable housing help to the people of their jurisdictions who need it.

NCSHA is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents the HFAs of virtually every state, the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congress Must Restore Tax-Exempt Private Activity Housing Bonds in H.R. 1

WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) urges the House Committee on Ways and Means to amend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, H.R. 1, to preserve tax-exempt private activity Housing Bonds, which are so important to our nation's affordable housing efforts, as they make both affordable rental homes and homeownership opportunities available to working families of modest means. Multifamily Housing Bonds are directly responsible for more than 50 percent of the affordable rental homes produced under the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. Housing Bonds and the Credit together represent our most powerful response to our country's affordable housing crisis.

As introduced, H.R. 1 eliminates tax-exempt private activity bonds (PABs), including both multifamily and single-family Housing Bonds, for bonds issued after 2017. The bill also repeals the related Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program.

While the bill makes no direct changes to the Housing Credit, it effectively fails to preserve it, since more than half of the Credit's annual production would be lost with the elimination of multifamily Housing Bonds. Housing Bonds are an essential partner to the Housing Credit, now more than doubling Credit production annually, because Credit allocated to Bond-financed properties under the so-called 4 Percent Credit program is not limited by the Credit authority cap. This production would not occur without the Housing Bond program.

In addition to the devastating cut in Housing Credit production, the elimination of Housing Bonds would reduce affordable rental housing development even further, since Housing Bonds also finance affordable rental housing that is not assisted with the Credit.

Tens of thousands of working families would also lose the chance to become homeowners without the single-family Housing Bond and related MCC programs, at a time when the first-time home buyer market needs them most.

Tax reform presents a rare chance to take a major step toward resolving our affordable housing crisis and attaining what we trust is our shared goal of an affordably housed nation. But in its current form, H.R. 1 takes a major step backwards. This must not stand.

NCSHA is a national nonprofit, nonpartisan association that advocates on behalf of HFAs before Congress and the Administration for affordable housing resources. NCSHA represents state HFAs and the HFAs of the District of Columbia, New York City, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NCSHA's membership also includes more than 300 affordable housing industry partners. Learn more at ncsha.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Bowman, Director of Marketing and Communications
202-624-7718 or lbowman@ncsha.org